Classical Arabic Literature

A Library of Arabic Literature Anthology

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Foreign Languages, Arabic, Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism
Cover of the book Classical Arabic Literature by Geert Jan Van Gelder, NYU Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Geert Jan Van Gelder ISBN: 9780814771204
Publisher: NYU Press Publication: December 1, 2012
Imprint: NYU Press Language: English
Author: Geert Jan Van Gelder
ISBN: 9780814771204
Publisher: NYU Press
Publication: December 1, 2012
Imprint: NYU Press
Language: English

A major achievement in the field of translation, this anthology presents a rich assortment of classical Arabic poems and literary prose, from pre-Islamic times until the 18th century, with short introductions to guide non-specialist students and informative endnotes and bibliography for advanced scholars. Like many pre-modern Arabic anthologies it aims at being both entertaining and informative. It ranges from the early Bedouin poems with their evocation of desert life to refined urban lyrical verse, from tender love poetry to sonorous eulogy or vicious lampoons, and from the heights of mystical rapture to the frivolity of comic verse. The prose contains anecdotes, entertaining or edifying tales and parables, a fairy-tale, a bawdy story, samples of literary criticism, and much more.

With this anthology, distinguished Arabist Geert Jan van Gelder brings together well-known texts as well as less familiar pieces that will be new even to scholars in the field. Many recent studies and anthologies of Middle Eastern literatures are primarily interested in Islam and religious matters—an emphasis that leads to the common misconception that almost everything in the region was and is dominated by religion. Classical Arabic Literature instead brings to life the rich variety of pre-modern Arabic social and cultural life, where secular texts happily coexisted with religious ones. This masterful anthology, in English only, will introduce this vibrant literary heritage to a wide spectrum of new readers.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A major achievement in the field of translation, this anthology presents a rich assortment of classical Arabic poems and literary prose, from pre-Islamic times until the 18th century, with short introductions to guide non-specialist students and informative endnotes and bibliography for advanced scholars. Like many pre-modern Arabic anthologies it aims at being both entertaining and informative. It ranges from the early Bedouin poems with their evocation of desert life to refined urban lyrical verse, from tender love poetry to sonorous eulogy or vicious lampoons, and from the heights of mystical rapture to the frivolity of comic verse. The prose contains anecdotes, entertaining or edifying tales and parables, a fairy-tale, a bawdy story, samples of literary criticism, and much more.

With this anthology, distinguished Arabist Geert Jan van Gelder brings together well-known texts as well as less familiar pieces that will be new even to scholars in the field. Many recent studies and anthologies of Middle Eastern literatures are primarily interested in Islam and religious matters—an emphasis that leads to the common misconception that almost everything in the region was and is dominated by religion. Classical Arabic Literature instead brings to life the rich variety of pre-modern Arabic social and cultural life, where secular texts happily coexisted with religious ones. This masterful anthology, in English only, will introduce this vibrant literary heritage to a wide spectrum of new readers.

More books from NYU Press

Cover of the book Newark by Geert Jan Van Gelder
Cover of the book Tours That Bind by Geert Jan Van Gelder
Cover of the book Against Health by Geert Jan Van Gelder
Cover of the book The Big Onion Guide to New York City by Geert Jan Van Gelder
Cover of the book Parenting Out of Control by Geert Jan Van Gelder
Cover of the book Puro Arte by Geert Jan Van Gelder
Cover of the book The Life and Times of Abu Tammam by Geert Jan Van Gelder
Cover of the book Consorts of the Caliphs by Geert Jan Van Gelder
Cover of the book Stories from Trailblazing Women Lawyers by Geert Jan Van Gelder
Cover of the book After the Protests Are Heard by Geert Jan Van Gelder
Cover of the book Sapphistries by Geert Jan Van Gelder
Cover of the book Seeds of Empire by Geert Jan Van Gelder
Cover of the book Authentically Black and Truly Catholic by Geert Jan Van Gelder
Cover of the book Just Medicine by Geert Jan Van Gelder
Cover of the book America’s Safest City by Geert Jan Van Gelder
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy